Illustration of an astronaut in space with a reflective helmet, against a backdrop of a colorful gas giant planet and a space station with other astronauts and futuristic structures. The image includes the title "The Final Frontier - A Wargame by Kerry Anderson" at the top.
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The Final Frontier (1997) Board Game

ByMichail

The Final Frontier is a board game that was released in 1997 by the Microgame Design Group. It was designed by Kerry Anderson and features artwork by Kerry Anderson, Ed Bourelle, and David Sourwine. The game is set in a science fiction universe where players take control of different factions vying for control over resources and territories in space.

Game Components of The Final Frontier

  • Game board: A track representing space travel.
  • Cards: Printed on thick paper, not cardstock, with some thematic Star Trek flavor.
  • Plastic pawns: Nondescript, no character-specific standees.
  • Dice: For determining player movement.
  • Box art: Low-quality images of Kirk and Spock.

    How To Setup The Final Frontier

    To set up the game, players first draw cards that specify the four planets they need to land on. The game board is placed in the middle, and each player chooses a pawn. The objective is clear from the start, but the setup is straightforward and lacks complexity.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Roll-and-move mechanics: Players roll a die to determine how many spaces to move.
  • Card draw: Landing on spaces with stars triggers drawing cards that can either benefit or hinder progress.
  • Objective: Be the first player to land on all four designated planets.

    Player Experience

    The game is designed for children but fails to hold attention due to its simplicity and lack of engagement with the Star Trek franchise. The game feels more like a generic roll-and-move game than an immersive Star Trek experience.

    Pros

  • Easy to learn: Simple rules make it accessible to young players.
  • Quick gameplay: Games are relatively short.
  • Basic introduction to roll-and-move mechanics**.

    Cons

  • Poor production quality: Low-quality printing and materials.
  • Lack of theme integration: Minimal use of the Star Trek franchise.
  • High randomness: Gameplay is heavily reliant on luck rather than strategy.
  • Limited engagement: Fails to capture the interest of both children and adults.

    Personal Thoughts on The Final Frontier

    This game is for those who are avid Star Trek collectors or parents looking for a very basic introduction to board games for their children. However, it is not recommended for anyone seeking a engaging or strategic gaming experience. Its poor production quality and lack of meaningful interaction with the Star Trek universe make it more of a novelty item than a enjoyable game.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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